TINY VILLAGE KOEDIJK

Nestled within the serene Geestmerambacht nature reserve, approximately 50 kilometers north of Amsterdam, LOOF has designed a residential community committed to sustainable living. This vibrant community is a testament to our commitment to preserving the environment.

Within the community, you'll find a harmonious blend of 10 unique tiny houses alongside a knowledge center. The plan includes ten modular, movable homes ranging from 26 m² to 62 m², accommodating a diverse group of residents from young professionals to families and retirees.

LOOF proposed a plan featuring circular plots with fixed distances, ensuring privacy and adherence to building codes, such as fire resistance. The circular plots offer residents the freedom to orient their homes in any direction they prefer. Whether you are a morning or evening person, you can position your home to capture the sunlight at your ideal time of day. Collectively, these plots create a central area that serves as a focal point for social interaction, providing a space for neighbors to gather, mingle, and connect.

An integral part of the urban plan is food production. The edible garden and vegetable garden supply food for the entire community and support local wildlife during part of the year. The community partners with local organizations, such as the food forest De Groene Oase, to exchange knowledge and foster a healthy, biodiverse environment that benefits both people and nature.

What sets these homes apart is their construction. Each house is constructed on screw piles, allowing for easy relocation if needed. The houses feature a frame of laminated wooden beams and columns, with notches throughout the structure enabling residents to build their own walls and roofs using standard-size wooden beams and wood fiber insulation. This approach to engineering empowers residents to construct their entire home themselves, fostering a true sense of ownership and accomplishment.

The homes are designed to be partially or entirely off-grid, ensuring a minimal ecological footprint. One of the standout houses features a second-hand tomato greenhouse that connects the living and kitchen areas with the bedrooms. In winter, the greenhouse acts as a heat buffer. With triple glazing, insulation, and the smart use of the greenhouse, the house requires minimal heating, provided by an air conditioning system. An electric boiler supplies hot water. Fifteen solar panels on the roof generate electricity, stored in a battery system made from a repurposed electric car battery. This house produces more electricity than it consumes year-round, earning it the title of ‘most sustainable home in the Netherlands’.